By 1965, muscle-mania was everywhere. The 1964 Pontiac GTO was not the only muscle car on the roads. Almost every manufacturer came up with its own version to compete. In the meantime, Pontiac was already working on their improved and enhanced GTO for the year. With a new attractive makeover and optimized performance, the 1965 Pontiac GTO proved to be a bigger hit than the 1964 GTO. However, it was still an optional package for Pontiac Tempest.
It was the first time that Pontiac GTO featured its trademark stacked headlights. It featured a single non-functional hood scoop instead of two, rally-styled wheels, and a distinct rear styling. Critics of the time were convinced that the 1965 Pontiac GTO fixed everything that was wrong with the 1964 GTO. The car did not only feature stellar styling, but also powerful performance.
Standard Specifications
Like its predecessor, the 1965 Pontiac GTO option was offered on all three body types including the coupe, convertible and hardtop. For this year 8,319 coupes, 55,722 hardtops and 11,311 convertibles were built. The 1965 GTO came standard with the same 389 V8 with a four barrel carburetor. The output of the engine was now increased to 335 hp @5,000 due to a modified camshaft and intake system. A wide-ratio three speed manual transmission was also standard.
Other Options
The same Tri-power engine offered for 1964 Pontiac GTO was once again the most desirable option for the 1965 Pontiac GTO. However, a new camshaft and intake system once again bumped the output from 348 to 360 @5,200 rpm.
A close-ratio three speed and two -speed automatic were also available transmission options for the 1965 model. Later that year, Pontiac also offered an over-the-counter kit with a metal under hood pan and gasket. The kit turned the cosmetic hood scoop into a functional cold air intake, the first Ram air intake indeed.
Performance
The 1965 Pontiac GTO was tested by Car Life, Road Test and Motor Trend. All three of them praised the car for a powerful performance and excellent gas mileage for its size. However, a little criticism was also received due to the below-average brakes on the standard package.
With more power, the 1965 Pontiac GTO offered even better performance. It was rated to accelerate 0 to 60 in just 6.1 seconds. This rating was even better than that of the 1964 GTO with tri-power option. At 99 mph, the car completed the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds. On the other hand, the tri-power option maximized the performance by reducing the 0-60 time to 5.8 seconds. The Tri-powered GTO could run a quarter mile in just 14.5 seconds. 114 mph was its recorded top speed.
Competition
While Pontiac GTO started the muscle-mania, we can’t overlook the role of other worthy competitors. From the very beginning, if there was one real competitor for the Pontiac GTO in terms of performance and popularity, it was the Mustang. The 1965 Ford Mustang followed Pontiac’s example of fitting a huge V8 engine in a mid-size car, the formula worked and Mustang still prides itself in being one of the most famous American muscles ever.
It didn’t end there, 1965 was an even more competitive year than 1964. Buick unleashed their own buffed up rival to GTO, the Buick Skylark Gran Sport. Fitted with a four barrel V8, the GS was able to hit a top speed of 116 mph.
Keeping up with the competition, Chevrolet also introduced a limited 396 edition of their super hot Chevelle SS. The production of the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS was limited to 201 units only. Yet, it is still one of the most sought after muscle cars in the world.
While the competition was getting furious, Pontiac’s very own ‘Tiger’ managed to stay among the leaders of the pack. Despite so many muscles on the road, the popularity of the GTO was only rising by the day. With 1966 around the corner, the ‘Goat’ had yet to see the best of its days.
| Type | Size | Carb | Horse Power | Tourqe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-Power | 389ci | 3x2bbl | 360 hp @ 5200 rpm | 424 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| Base 8 | 389ci | 1x4bbl | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm | 431 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
0 to 60 mph | Quarter Mile | Engine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 sec | 14.5 sec @ 100.0 mph | 389ci/360hp | Car Life 5/65 |
| 6.6 sec | 14.8 sec @ 99.0 mph | 389ci/335hp | Car Life |
| 7.2 sec | 16.1 sec @ 89.0 mph | 389ci/360hp | Motor Trend 2/65 |
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